The Storm in Isger

Game Master Sigil

Pluchak is at 6 points and still shaken from the near deaf experience.

Harlynn I think that means you get the benefit of Elinors heal.

Elinor, a few things. My version of BHD did not have rampaging dead. Was that in the UK version? Maybe the American censors objected? :D Pluchak is out of rage, so he is not going to be able to help in that regard. It is perhaps a 1/4 mile or so to the closest wall, though the way you came in is even further. You do seem to have time, because apart from the loud ghouls the night seems still.

Harlynn wakes up in a sweat, and hurriedly backs off expecting himself to be still in the midst of battle. Drawing a dagger and starting to draw in the air he then comes to his senses and says Wait...What happened?

I think now he's had a chance for a nap, Pluchak can re-rage but I've not played a Paizo barbarian and I can't spare the thirty seconds it would take me to check. 1/4 mile - 440 yards, 1320 feet, about 15 rounds of triple moving for unarmoured. Want to take any bets on the result?

"Nae worries young 'un. We're patched and nothing is trying to eat us right this minute."

Elinor looks uneasily at Tzurkhan as she says this.

"Strap the kids to the furries and the rest of wor run like h ell?"

Taedric looks up at Elinor, "Kids on Trumps means I'm not, so I won't be running down or harrying pursuers. I'm thinking the original plan of run like heck and have Narnel and I play rear guard is still the better one."

Yes, now get moving! All of you! Make for the closest barricade exit, and we can circle around to where we entered once safely on the other side. Any who has fight left in them, stay towards the rear in case Taedric and I are overwhelmed.

Becca uses a cure light wound on her niece and then does the same for Taedric. Very brave of you to lead. she says simply.

Though the intention is to hurry, it soon becomes clear that atrophied muscles make that a challenge for the adults you just rescued but still they move as fast as they can. The ghoul things are wary of arrows and rocks and stay mostly hidden though they continue their unholy racket.

1/4 of the distance covered. Now a half. And now... And now... Now fragments of bone lift from the earth, and spin and twist in an orbit known only to them. The outer edges of the orbit form an approximate 4' ball and this whirling ball is headed right for Taedric!

The ball is 60 feet away from Taedric and some 20 to 30 feet more for the rest of you.

Taedric suggests, "If you can run, now might be the time. Looks like we've either triggered a curse or found someone with magic. Unless anyone knows what else that might be?"

With that, he pulls the helm down over his head and readies his lance, scanning for a target.... or better still, a poorly-built wall or other barrier he can use to to stop the ball.

Perception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (12) + 4 = 16

How fast is the ball rolling?

Bryndyn looks for some sort of debris to use as a shield or block to redirect the ball.

The bones of the dead are as angry as the earth.
KnNature: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (19) + 8 = 27

Round 1, Point Blank

Narnel will sink an arrow into the ball.

LB Att: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (5) + 8 = 13
LB Dam: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3

Abbas helps those in need stagger along slowly catching up with the others. Then the warrior moves up to the front of the group his magical staff shedding light in a wide pool.

"More? Not fair." He shakes his head.

The ball moves as fast as a man moves, and as Taedric and Bryndyn look for a way to redirect this whirling sphere they notice that it does not actually touch the ground.

As Narnels arrow flies into the mass it seems to not hurt it, but worse, it seems like the size has expanded. It is now 10 feet in diameter and while there does not appear to be more bone, the maelstrom could now engulf more several of you.

Free round as it closes, go ahead and do what you can, and might as well roll initiative as well. Good luck.

Taedric curses, "I don't know what it is, but I can't say I like it. It's not even touching the ground. Run."

He wheels about and before starting his charge says to Narnel, Get them out of here."

Time to roll the dice... Lady, smile on me..

He calls out a challenge as he closes, trying to get a feel for the new lance in his hand... and races past the strange thing, trying to strike it as he passes.

Ride-by-Attack (Lance): 1d20 + 5 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 5 + 4 = 15 {Cavalier's Charge}

Nice time for a bad roll... Well, on the off-chance it matters...

Damage: 2d6 + 2 + 6 ⇒ (2, 5) + 2 + 6 = 15 {Challenge (doubled)}

Initiative 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (17) + 5 = 22

Abbas charges too. He swings the staff with all his might.

"Get them away. Pluchak save the kids."

If it is alright, can Pluchak act to lead the people to safety?

Charge attack 1d20 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (17) + 6 + 2 = 25, blunt damage1d6 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7, AC at -2 due to charge.

Initiative: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (11) + 6 = 17

Narnel veers off, running and grabbing any one of those rescued that he feels that he can safely transport away without getting bowled over himself.

Tkurzhan growles at the sphere, but looks to Aidan before he charges. The druid points at Tanzi instead, and the cat whirls around, latching his jaws about her tunic and racing towards the wall.
Aidan stands firm, but spares a few words- May mother's fury guide thine hand, he prays as Abbas passes him.
Guidance, pretty much my last ditch- out of spells.

Initiative 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7
Knowledge (religion) 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (9) + 3 = 12
Spellcraft 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (18) + 3 = 21
Studying the creature or spell to see if he can identify it, Seneca fails to notice it is heading his way for a split second. "Here we go again. Beware, whatever it is or is creating it may just be trying to delay us. We may want to defend against it, but keep moving."

Initiative 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (13) + 1 = 14

Spell Failure 25% 1d100 ⇒ 14

Throat still dry from a near death experience and her normally snugly fitting armour pressing uncomfortably against her curves, Elinor's spell to increase her speed sputters and fails. She brings up the rear of the retreating group, sword drawn, determined that the group's efforts will not result in a pointless massacre.

By Asmodeus, I was just ripped from the flames of hell.

Harlynne will start using his last 2nd level spell and summoning a creature.

At 2 hp right now.

1d20 + 1 ⇒ (12) + 1 = 13

Shouldn't you be at 7 Harlynn? Or did you take five points of damage that I didn't notice?

I may have missed 5 hit points of healing somewhere.

I'll have them if you don't want them?

Abbas calls out, "leave. Now! I can hold this."

Initiative 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2

Ok, so the thing isn't rolling n the ground...couldn't a barrier...like a table or other flat surface... still redirect?

Bryndyn, you are welcome to try anything you please. :)

Elinor, sorry to take so long on this... Pluchak needs 8 hours rest to renew his rage per Pathfinder.

Abbas' instincts are primed for action and he races at the bone ball. His staff cracks it furiously. Bone sprays left onto the ground but the thing does not slow.

Narnel snatches Sadie and Jess and drags them to the side of the road, near an alley if needs be. The little girl is nearly catatonic with fear. Jess' bravado has fled.

Elinor realizes with some horror that the ghouls have gone silent.

Pluchak grabs Becca in his strong arms and attempts the same with 'Neeki, but the girl will have none of it, and instead casts her eyes about for a weapon. Tanzi follows on his heels wide eyed. Becca murmurs, "They were us, they used to be us." in a tone of despair and revulsion.

Harlynn begins casting.

Taedrics pass sends bone spraying out from the spell or creature, whatever it is made of bone. It seems unaffected, though no doubt there are less shards in the mix now.

Elton produces a wicked looking sword and asks generally, Quick then, where do ya want me? He stands near Harlynn, maybe with an instinct to protect a spell caster.

The bone ball moves toward Abbas seemingly ignoring Taedric.

Seneca tries to figure out what this thing is.

Tkurzhan waits on a word from his brother and then follows Tanzi to the side and is set on making her stay. Aidan on the other hand was seeking to aid Abbas, but he ran off too quick. Do you want to follow him to the bone ball?

Comabt order: Abbas, 'Neeki, Narnel, Elinor, Harlynn, Taedric, Elton, Bone Ball, Seneca, Tkurzhan, and Aidan. Abbas and only Abbas please. :)

I thought PF barbarians got a number of rounds per day which they could turn on and off at will as long as they rest between? I didn't think Pluchak had used them all.

For when my turn comes around...

Elinor turns away from the conflict against the bone thing and puts her talents to use persuading the civilians to hurry.

"'Neeki, hang on to that and I'll show you how to use it, but right now, move! We didn't come in to let you go get killt, let the boys handle that one. You too Elton. Sadie, Jess, we'll keep you safe, Abbas is the bravest man I've ever met and we're just a half step away from safety."

Diplomacy 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (19) + 8 = 27 (plus an extra one for the males)

Abbas spins the quarterstaff is a tight circle of light as the ball of bones closer. Then he steps in and smashes it twice relying on the staff to do some good for the party.

Left blow to "head" 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (15) + 4 = 19, 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5, Right blow to "head" 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (8) + 4 = 12, 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4

But evil has a way of fighting back as tiny chips and shards fly left and right.

AC back to 20

No, Aidan doesn't chase them into the melee, but instead holds the charge in case anyone needs it.

With one last look over his shoulder at the fight, Aidan dashes after the others, towards safety and the wall.

geez Mr. DM sir, I know I rolled a 2 for my init...but I am in the order right??

Anything under 5 loses a turn haha

Narnel continues to move forward with a kid under each arm, trying to get to the barrier.

HAHAHAHAHA Sorry Bryndyn. I was in a hurry when I posted last night. I should have given it a once over. :) Aidan, shall we consider this as a new house rule? You guys crack me up!

Abbas blow does not stop the monstrosity. It keeps approaching him.

'Neeki finds a large board, and hefts it up, walking towards Abbas with purpose.

Those with the innocents were wise to bring them to opposite side of the street from the buildings with the ghouls on them, but the now silent ghouls suddenly race behind you in the night. By the time you register that they are there, they have crossed the road and are in the alleys on your side.

Narnel and Elinor work with the rescued in thier own way. Narnel finds no impediment to his movement and Pluchak is right beind him. Elinors words seem to have connected and Elton and 'Neeki turn to her.

Combat order: Abbas, 'Neeki, Narnel, Elinor, Harlynn, Taedric, Elton, Bone Ball, Seneca, Tkurzhan, Aidan, and Bryndyn. Harlynn and Taedric are up.

Sorry, so Neeki picks up the board, heads towards Abbas, and turns around after Elinor's turn?

I have her just turning her head, as if in assent. She has not moved again. Minor flavor text stuff. :)

Harlynn is going to have 1d3 ⇒ 3 Celestial Eagles appear on his turn.

And then, I trust, he's going to run like %&*^. ;-)

It's a tough job being a celestial eagle.

I played in a game a while back with a sorcerer that always summoned an eagle and I swear it rolled nothing but 20s for some reason. We called it the God Eagle.

Taedric, somewhat crestfallen about not redirecting the ball in his attack runs it down a second time, rejoining his companions as he does, calling, again, "Get them out."

Ride-by-Attack (Lance): 1d20 + 5 + 4 ⇒ (10) + 5 + 4 = 19 {Cavalier's Charge}
Damage: 2d6 + 2 + 6 ⇒ (6, 2) + 2 + 6 = 16{Challenge (doubled)}

Harlynn and his eagles stand ready at the approach of the mass of bones, but the approach ends suddenly with Taedrics lance. When he hits, there is a spark of purple light, and then the bones simply drop to the ground.

The passage appears clear now, and better there is a Hell Knight on this side of the barrier with a robed companion coming towards you. This night may yet end!

Elton looks to Elinor, and then hurries with the massed group heading for the exit.

Of concern now is the very quiet ghoul things.

We are still in combat rounds.

Combat order: Abbas, 'Neeki, Ghouls, Narnel, Elinor, Harlynn, Taedric, Elton, Seneca, Tkurzhan, Aidan, and Bryndyn. Seneca, Tkurzhan, and Aidan please go ahead.

Hellknights, Aidan hisses more as a curse than an observation.
I suppose it could be worse.
Why would they break orders and enter the city?
sense motive: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (13) + 10 = 23

Tkurkzhan herds the survivors towards the wall, and his foot-long razor-sharp fangs and no-nonsense attitude ensure that they heed him.

Tkurzhan is moving with the survivors, using ready actions to reposition one behind him or jump over them should danger approach. Of course, he's a cat, so his idea of danger might be a little weird. I'll let you run with that one, Sigil.

Seneca hustles forward, also herding the survivors. "Thank Asmodeus sir. We have finally reached the edge of the city. We have survivors, let's get them out of here!"

Bryndyn stands ready, holding an action to defend the group if any ghouls attack.

The group continues to move forward while the Hell Knight and his robed companion move toward you.

Brydyn neither sees nor hears the ghouls.

Combat order: Abbas, 'Neeki, Ghouls, Narnel, Elinor, Harlynn, Taedric, Elton, Seneca, Tkurzhan, Aidan, and Bryndyn. Abbas go ahead.

Abbas takes up a rear guard position near the silent building and keeps a wary eye on the shadows beyond his staff's circle of light.

is it still night? If so then perhaps we have travelled beyond the Arctic Circle for the last six months.

While Abbas watches the rear, 'Neeki finds a place by Elinors' side. Elinor has the slightly uncomfortable feeling that 'Neeki is studying her. Indeed, accidental or not she is now matching her steps.

The ghouls stay eerily silent. Maybe they have departed in search of softer prey.

[ooc]Combat order: Abbas, 'Neeki, Ghouls, Narnel, Elinor, Harlynn, Taedric, Elton, Seneca, Tkurzhan, Aidan, and Bryndyn. Narnel, Elinor, Harlynn, and Taedric please take your turn.

Not seeing any Ghouls...and seeing the Hell Knight approach, Bryndyn let's out a deep breath, almost as if he's been holding it all along.

"We have other business that was put on hold for this. We cannot rest long."

"Me, I think I could sleep for a week. But you're right, even I don't feel like a celebration."

Abbas attempts to find the colours in the street. In the people all around to see if they are out to cause harm, like a ghoul waiting in ambush.

Narnel puts the kids down and works his way to safety.

Good to see you amongst the living Elie. I thought we lost you and Harlynn back there.

"We're not out yet. Between them hellknights and the nichtgangers I'm not getting comfortable till yous tuck me up in bed."

Taedric returns to the group, keeping an eye out for danger.

Perception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (19) + 4 = 23